Unit Plan 29 (Grade 2 Music): Rhythm Games
Grade 2 music unit using rhythm games to build steady beat, rhythm accuracy, cultural awareness, and rehearsal strategies for confident, cooperative performance.
Focus: Apply rhythm and steady beat through structured musical games, using rehearsal strategies to improve accuracy and confidence.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Music (Performing • Rehearsing • Games-Based Learning)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students strengthen their sense of steady beat and rhythm patterns by playing a variety of rhythm games. Using songs and chants from different cultures, they clap, step, pat, and play instruments while following game rules (passing objects on the beat, echoing patterns, freezing at the right time). Students practice listening carefully, staying with the group beat, and using rehearsal strategies—such as speaking rhythms before playing—to solve performance challenges. The focus is on joyful, active music-making that builds accuracy and cooperation.
Essential Questions
- How do steady beat and rhythm help us play music games together?
- How can different songs and games from various cultures teach us about rhythm and meter?
- What strategies can we use when a rhythm game feels difficult?
- How does playing rhythm games help us become more confident performers?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Keep a steady beat during simple rhythm games using body percussion and/or instruments.
- Read, echo, and perform short rhythm patterns (spoken or played) within common meters (e.g., duple).
- Participate in rhythm games from different cultures, noticing how beat and pattern support the game.
- Use rehearsal strategies (clapping, speaking rhythms, slowing down) to improve game performance.
- Work cooperatively in small groups or as a class, following rules and listening to others while playing rhythm games.
Standards Alignment — Grade 2 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr4.2.2a — Demonstrate knowledge of music concepts (such as tonality and meter) in music from a variety of cultures selected for performance.
- Example: Identifying duple meter in a folk song from another culture.
- MU:Pr5.1.2b — Rehearse, identify, and apply strategies to address interpretive, performance, and technical challenges of music.
- Example: Clapping rhythm first before adding words.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can keep a steady beat while playing rhythm games with my class.
- I can echo and perform short rhythm patterns using my voice, body, or instruments.
- I can tell how beat and meter help a song or game work.
- I can use strategies like clapping first or going slower when a rhythm is tricky.
- I can follow the rules and listen to others so our rhythm games work well.